Former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev has been charged with felony assault for allegedly punching a woman in the face back in June — but he claims he’s not guilty … TMZ Sports has learned.

That is the first sentence from a reporter posted on TMZSports today, the media giant as just a few weeks prior to Kovalev’s biggest fight of his career to date, as he looks for redemption after being brutally knocked out by Eleider Alvarez, he now has a major public nightmare.

Details are sparse, but what we do know is he was arrested on June 9th in Big Bear, Ca and inflicted damage to the victim.

Kovalev could possibly face four years behind bars if he is convicted as the charges being presented face stiff consequences.

Kovalev returns to court in March, but faces Eleider Alvarez on February 2nd in Frisco, Texas.

This appears to be a major distraction heading into his fight.